Singapore has long been recognised for its strong social support framework, especially for lower-income workers who contribute significantly to the economy. The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme, often referred to as Workfare Support, is one of the key initiatives designed to help individuals in this group.
With enhancements over the years, the scheme not only tops up monthly earnings but also secures future healthcare needs through MediSave. For many self-employed persons, employees, and platform workers, this scheme can provide up to $2,800 or more in additional support. Understanding eligibility, payment details, and how to check your status is essential to ensure you receive the assistance you deserve.
What is the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme
The Workfare Income Supplement scheme was first introduced in 2007. Its primary purpose is to encourage older and lower-wage workers to remain employed while ensuring they have adequate take-home pay and sufficient CPF savings.
Unlike one-off financial aid, the WIS is a continuous scheme, adjusted from time to time to reflect rising costs of living and evolving employment patterns. Today, it covers not only traditional employees but also self-employed persons such as hawkers, freelancers, and platform workers like private-hire drivers and food delivery riders.
How the Support is Given
Workfare is structured into two parts. A portion is given in cash directly to the worker, improving disposable income. The rest is channelled into the MediSave account to help cover medical needs and long-term healthcare expenses.
For example, if a self-employed person qualifies for the maximum $2,800 payout, a smaller percentage will arrive as cash, while the larger share goes into MediSave. This balance ensures workers benefit both immediately and in the long run.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for Workfare depends on several factors.
First, you must be a Singapore Citizen aged 30 years and above, or a person with disabilities who can qualify earlier.
Second, there are income limits. As of 2025, the average monthly income threshold has been raised to $3,000, making the scheme accessible to more people.
Third, property ownership plays a role. Workers who own more than one property or whose home exceeds a certain annual value are excluded. For married individuals, the spouse’s income and shared property ownership are also taken into account.
Finally, self-employed persons must declare their Net Trade Income to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and make the necessary MediSave contributions to enjoy the payout.
How Much You Can Receive
The payout amount depends on age and employment status.
Employees can receive up to $4,900 annually if they are aged 60 and above or if they are persons with disabilities. Those in younger brackets receive smaller but still meaningful amounts.
Self-employed persons and platform workers are entitled to around two-thirds of the employee payout for the same age band. This is why the $2,800 figure is often quoted for individuals in their mid-40s to late 50s.
It is important to note that the scheme is progressive. Older workers and those earning less will receive higher amounts. This design ensures that support is targeted at those who need it most.
Payment Schedule
The payment timeline differs for employees, self-employed persons, and platform workers.
Employees receive their Workfare Income Supplement on a monthly basis. Payments are made two months after the work month. For example, wages earned in January will be reflected in WIS by the end of March.
Self-employed persons typically receive their payout once a year. The amount is calculated based on the previous year’s declared income and MediSave contributions. The earliest payout usually comes by the end of April after the necessary declarations are completed.
Platform workers, such as private-hire drivers and delivery riders, now benefit from monthly payouts from 2025 onwards, provided CPF contributions from platform operators are timely.
How to Check Your Status
Checking whether you qualify or tracking the status of your payment is straightforward.
You can log in to the CPF website or use the official Workfare eligibility checker with your Singpass. Employees will generally see updates automatically based on CPF contributions made by employers.
Self-employed persons need to ensure they have declared their income to IRAS and contributed to MediSave on time. Failure to do so may delay or reduce payouts.
For platform workers, CPF contributions made by the platform operators are essential for payments to proceed smoothly.
Common Reasons for Delays
Many workers worry when their payments are late. Some common reasons include:
- Failure to declare Net Trade Income for self-employed persons.
- Missing or late MediSave contributions.
- Incorrect or outdated bank details, such as not linking PayNow to NRIC.
- Property or income rules not being met due to changes in household circumstances.
Addressing these issues quickly helps avoid unnecessary stress or delays.
New Enhancements in 2025
The 2025 updates to Workfare have widened the safety net.
The income ceiling was raised from $2,500 to $3,000, allowing more workers to qualify. This is especially important as wages rise in line with inflation.
Maximum payout levels have been increased, with older workers enjoying higher support. Platform workers, who often had irregular access to WIS in the past, now benefit from more consistent monthly support.
These changes show the government’s commitment to making Workfare relevant in a changing employment landscape.
Example Scenario
Consider a 55-year-old self-employed worker who earns a modest income from providing home repair services. By declaring income properly and making MediSave contributions, this individual may qualify for up to $2,800 in Workfare Income Supplement.
Out of this, around 10 percent may be credited in cash directly to his PayNow-linked account, while the remainder strengthens his MediSave savings. By April the following year, he will have received the full benefit, helping him with both present expenses and future medical costs.
Conclusion
The Workfare Income Supplement remains one of Singapore’s most impactful social policies, delivering targeted support to those who need it most. For many workers, the payout of up to $2,800 represents more than financial assistance; it is a recognition of their contribution to society and a boost to their long-term financial security.
By understanding eligibility criteria, checking status regularly, and ensuring timely income declarations and MediSave contributions, workers can make the most of this scheme. With the 2025 enhancements, Workfare is more inclusive and supportive, ensuring lower-wage Singaporeans are not left behind in a fast-changing economy.